Squirrels
Biology
Squirrels are found throughout North America, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are classified as a small to medium sized rodent. There are several species of squirrel in the Ohio and Pennsylvania areas including Eastern Gray Squirrels, Fox Squirrels, Red Squirrels, and Southern Flying Squirrels. Squirrels typically have a slim body, big eyes, soft fur, and a bushy tail. Their tail is used for communication and also for insulation against the colder temperatures. Squirrels have excellent vision and sense of touch.
Female squirrels can reproduce once or twice a year. After a gestation period of 3- 6 weeks, there are usually 3-4 young born. Although, they are capable of having between 2-9 young. The lifespan of a wild squirrel is between 5- 10 years.
Habitat
The squirrels ideal habitat is a forest filled with oak, beech, and hickory trees which provide food and natural cover. They build several nests in the trees within a certain area, using the each nest at different times. Some species of squirrels do not live in trees, these ground squirrels make their nests in burrows in the ground.
Threats
Squirrels may cause problems for homeowners by nesting in their attic, or in the exterior of the structure. They enter attics for warmth and safety; and often to birth, nest, and raise a litter. These pests are savage chewers and will gnaw their way through wooden structures to gain access to the interior. Once inside, they normally make scratching noises (usually at sunrise and sunset), leave droppings all over, and endanger all attic structures.
Squirrel Species In Your Area
Habits
They are mainly active during the day. They do not hibernate but will typically spend long hours in their nest during the cold winter months. Squirrels are extremely vocal. They bark, chatter, scream, and purr. Sometimes people think they are hearing a noisy bird, without realizing that it’s actually a very noisy squirrel!
FEEDING PREFERENCES
Squirrels are omnivores, but they mostly eat plants, nuts, seeds, fungi, and fruits. Occasionally, they will eat insects, eggs, and even small snakes.
Prevention & Control
Due to the possible damage to your property and for your health and safety, wildlife issues are serious and should be handled professionally.
Structural Pest Squirrel Program
Our service technician will perform a thorough inspection on the exterior and interior of your structure to locate all problem areas and properly identify the pest you are having.
All programs are specially designed to target the pest that is infesting your structure.
